Medications for Infection in Pregnancy

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. Some options to treat infections during pregnancy include:

Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause the infection. The infection may reoccur after using the antibiotics. If this happens, a repeat course of antibiotics may be necessary. Some people may continue to develop symptoms and complications of the infection even after the bacteria are killed.

Below are examples of antibiotics used to treat infections in pregnancy.

Amoxicillin
—This is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, and a suspension (liquid).

Clindamycin
—If you are taking the liquid form of clindamycin, use a specially marked measuring spoon to measure each dose correctly. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin,
Cefazolin
—These are cephalosporin antibiotics.
Some are given in a pill form and others are injected.

Azithromycin,
Erythromycin
—These drugs
are called macrolides. They are used for a variety of bacterial infections.

If you have been exposed or have specific infections, you may get an injection or infusion of immune globulin (IG) to help boost your immunity. IG can be given safely as a shot under the skin, into a muscle, or by IV.

IG can be used for:

Chickenpox
—Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) can prevent chickenpox or make the infection less severe if it is given within 72 hours of exposure.

Measles
—If you were exposed to measles and have no signs of immunity, you may be given IG by IV within 6 days of exposure.

Hepatitis B
—Often given late in pregnancy. It has been shown to prevent transmission from you to your developing baby.

Infection with
herpes
virus is treated with
acyclovir. This medication can also be used to prevent an outbreak during pregnancy. Women who are infected with HIV should talk to their doctor about which antiviral medications are appropriate.

Certain antiviral medications can safely be given to women late in pregnancy to decrease the risk of transmitting hepatitis B from the mother to the developing baby. These include lamivudine, telbivudine, and tenovofir.

Antiparasitic Medications

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that results from an infection by a parasite. It is treated with antiparasitic medications.

If a pregnant woman has toxoplasmosis but the fetus does not, then the mother may be treated with spiramycin. Spiramycin is a macrolide antibiotic and antiparasitic.

If the fetus or newborn has toxoplasmosis as well, a combination of the following medications may be prescribed:

Pyrimethamine—This is an antimalarial agent used to treat toxoplasmosis.

Sulfadiazine—This is a sulfonamide antibiotic that fights the growth of bacteria.

Folinic acid—A form of folic acid. It is used to treat toxoplasmosis when combined with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or schedule.

Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medication.

Do not share your prescription medication.

Medications can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medication, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

Plan ahead for refills as needed.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Talk with your doctor before using over-the-counter medications to treat an infection. There are some over-the-counter medications that are not safe to use during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen is generally safe to use during pregnancy. It may ease symptoms of an infection. Other pain relievers, such as
ibuprofen
,
naproxen,
and aspirin
should be avoided during pregnancy unless under medical supervision. These medications especially need to be avoided late in pregnancy.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

STDs during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/default.htm. Updated February 24, 2016. Accessed June 20, 2016.

Toxoplasmosis. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis.html. Updated May 2014. Accessed June 20, 2016.